realitysoundbites. A Lifetime Of Friendship
When Debbie Huffer’s dog passed away, people asked the longtime SPCA Tampa Bay volunteer if she would be adopting another dog anytime soon. “When I’m ready or when the right dog finds me, whichever comes first,” was Debbie’s answer. Then, a Category 3 hurricane hit New
Orleans and coastal Louisiana on August 29, 2005. Shelter animals were transported from the areas hit to shelters in other states, including Florida. The SPCA Tampa Bay took in two groups of animals, the first coming from Mississippi and Alabama. Betty, a young, fluffy flat-coated Retriever, had been owner-surren- dered to a shelter in Alabama. Her family had lost everything in the storm. As part of the first group transported to SPCA Tampa Bay, Betty was placed in the medical kennel area. As the other dogs barked and jumped anxiously, Betty just sat, swishing her tail back and forth. “I took her outside and when I sat on the
ground, she walked over, plopped down on my leg and looked up at me,” said Debbie. That’s all it took, 15 years ago, for the love to start growing between human and dog, each one struggling with loss. Debbie named her Bella Mia. “She has been an amazing dog in spite of all
she’s been through,” said Debbie. “Bella was always a rambunctious dog. Now, at 17 years old, she’s slowed down some.” Oh, and the Retriever DNA? Bella Mia has
never lived up to it. “When I used to throw balls for her, she just stood there looking at me,” laughed Debbie.
But, she did live up to being the best dog
ever. In 2011, Bella Mia was awarded the Pet Hero of the Year award from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) for hav- ing saved Debbie’s life. “I was home alone and suffered a serious head injury and lost conscious- ness after falling,” explained Debbie. “Bella Mia kept licking my face to wake me up so that I could call 911. Later, the emergency room doctor told me, another 20 minutes and I would have bled out.” After three days in the hospital and with 40
staples in her head, Debbie came home. “Bella Mia was my little caretaker.” Ruler of Debbie’s heart and home, “Bella
Mia shares the bed allowing me just enough room. She takes up the rest of the bed. She’s taken up much more space inside my heart.”
U Free Coffee And Adoptable Dogs
Wait a minute. What? Two of our favorite things, coffee and adoptable dogs, in one place? That’s the concept behind the Jacksonville Dog Cafe. The 501(c)(3) organization, founded by Carolyn Snowden, has been con- necting people with adopt- able dogs from the area’s rescue groups, one free cup of coffee at a time since 2016. The Cafe is located on the outside patio of Eclipse Nightclub at 4219 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville. Mel, a puppy (above) met his new family when Faithful Friends Pet Rescue and Rehoming hosted an adoption event at the Cafe.
16 THE NEW BARKER
(Top left): Bella Mia at 17 years old. (Above) Portrait by Laura Allen Studios when Bella Mia was around seven.
U
www.TheNewBarker.com
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